A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cardiff or Gdansk?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cardiff or Gdansk? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Cardiff or Gdansk?

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Cardiff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cardiff Prices
    UK Prices
    Gdansk Prices
    Poland Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cardiff £188
    Gdansk £57

The average daily cost (per person) in Cardiff is £188, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is £57. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cardiff and Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cardiff £93
    Gdansk £22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cardiff £186
    Gdansk £44
Compare Hotels in Cardiff and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Cardiff or Gdansk? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cardiff


Hotels in Gdansk


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cardiff Hotel Prices and Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cardiff £21
    Gdansk £7.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $10
  • Cardiff; EV Airport Transfer Service: $135
  • Gatwick Airport : Bus transferring to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • CO2-OffsetArrival Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City: $72
  • Gdansk Airport Private Transfer: $74
  • Gdansk Airport Transfers : $69
  • Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $59
  • Gdansk to Torun Private Transfer : $145
  • Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $99
  • Indoor Go Karting Package in Gdansk with Hotel Transfers : $131
  • Luxury Limousine Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) : $137
  • Private Round-Trip Transfers: Gdansk Airport (GDN): $149
  • Private Transfer From the Port Gdynia to Gdansk Old Town: $114
  • Private Transfer from Airport Gdansk GDN to Starogard Gdanski: $144
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Bytów city: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Cardiff or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk and Cardiff change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cardiff £76
    Gdansk £29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cardiff

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cardiff.

  • City Flavors Guided Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $120

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $101
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Gdansk: $118
  • Foodpairing dinner in one of the best restaurants in Gdansk: $160
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $191
  • Sopot: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $194

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cardiff £25
    Gdansk £6.69

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
  • City Sightseeing Open-Top Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: $16
  • Techniquest Science & Discovery Centre Entry Ticket: $17
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • Doctor Who City Walking Tour: $23
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Doctor Who Cardiff Bay Walking Tour: $24
  • Silent Disco Adventure Tour: $31
  • Gower Peninsula Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Legends and Liberty Gdansk Old Town Tour: $5.54
  • Discover Gdansk Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River by a luxury catamaran - Gdańsk from the water side: $20
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River: $20
  • Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $22
  • Gdansk Guided City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat: $23
  • Sunset on the Shipyard and Old Town Evening Cruise: $24
  • Sopot Walking Tour: $26
  • Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour: $26
  • Culinary cruises - pierogi tasting Shipyard and Port: $32
  • Gdańsk: City Sightseeing Tour by Buggy/Golf Cart LIVE GUIDED 1H: $34
  • GDANSK City Tour by Golf Cart Live Guide & City Sightseeing 60min: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cardiff £13
    Gdansk £3.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $24
  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $26
  • Polish Spirits tasting in Gdańsk Craft Distillery tawern: $37
  • #1 Pub Crawl in Sopot: $44
  • Exclusive Gdańsk Wine Tour with Polish Wine Tastings: $96


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cardiff and Gdansk, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Gdansk.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cardiff Expensive? and Is Gdansk Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff and Gdansk, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cardiff or Gdansk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cardiff or Gdansk in the Summer?

Both Gdansk and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Gdansk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Gdansk averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Gdansk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Gdansk. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Gdansk in the Autumn?

Both Gdansk and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally a little warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Gdansk. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Gdansk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Gdansk. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Gdansk can be very cold. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Cardiff is much warmer than Gdansk in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Cardiff or Gdansk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Gdansk. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cardiff is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Gdansk averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Cardiff

Cardiff Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)